Job Title: Special Education Teacher
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Reports to: Principal
Dept./School: Assigned Campus
Date Revised: 04/24/2024
PRIMARY PURPOSE
Provide special education students with learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Develop or modify curricula and prepare instructional materials to meet individual student needs. Serve in a self-contained, inclusion, team, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Certification:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsement(s) for assignment
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Knowledge of the needs of students with disabilities in assigned area
- Knowledge of the ARD Committee process and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and implementation
- Knowledge of curriculum adaptation and differentiated instructional strategies
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience:
- Student teaching, approved internship, or related experience
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Instructional Strategies
- Collaborate with students, parents, and staff to develop IEPs through the ARD Committee process.
- Implement instructional, therapeutic, or skill development programs and maintain required documentation.
- Assess student learning styles and plan appropriate instructional strategies, materials, and technology.
- Deliver instruction in accordance with each student's IEP using varied instructional techniques.
- Collaborate with general education teachers to support inclusion and modify curriculum as needed.
- Participate in ARD Committee meetings as required.
- Assist in selecting instructional materials and resources.
Student Growth and Development
- Conduct ongoing formal and informal assessments of student achievement.
- Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and feeding as required by student IEPs.
- Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
- Consult with district and outside professionals regarding students' needs.
Classroom Management and Organization
- Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and student development.
- Manage student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and IEP requirements.
- Implement crisis intervention strategies, including physical restraint when appropriately trained.
- Collaborate with staff on student behavior management strategies.
- Take precautions to protect students, equipment, and facilities.
- Assign and oversee work of instructional aides and volunteers.
Communication and Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain open communication with parents, students, and staff.
- Establish and maintain professional relationships.
- Participate in professional development activities.
- Comply with federal, state, district, and campus policies.
- Maintain required reports, records, and documentation.
- Attend meetings and serve on committees as assigned.
- Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct the work of instructional aide(s).
MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, assistive technology, and instructional equipment.
Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
Motion: Frequent walking and classroom movement.
Lifting: May require heavy lifting (45 pounds or more), transferring and positioning students, and moving adaptive equipment.
Environment: Exposure to biological hazards and communicable diseases; may work prolonged or irregular hours.
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress and in crisis situations.
This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.